French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with tender shredded chicken and creamy orzo pasta, baked to bubbly perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-pan casserole brings together the best of French onion soup and comforting pasta in a simple, delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar and salt, cooking for 20–25 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes to add flavor.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes to lightly toast. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix everything well to combine.
- Pour in Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and make the mixture creamy.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can use any cooked shredded chicken.
- Substitute half and half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- For extra flavor depth, Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze are optional but recommended.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions a day ahead and refrigerate to speed up the cooking process.
- Ensure you use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a baking dish before baking.
Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Orzo Casserole, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Chicken Dinner
